Two finals on the one day

The Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina campus Under-15's Rugby League side have had an interesting run the last couple of weeks, playing two finals 100kms apart on the one day, according to coach Mark Rae.

"First up was the Country Cup held up at Toukley which they absolutely dominated finishing with a total of 92 points for zero points against," Mr Rae said.

"This qualified them for the quarter finals at Cessnock on July 25.

"Meanwhile, another All Schools Competition was held at Berkeley Vale on July 19.

"Games were played up to the semi-final stage with the final to be played on July 25.

"So now the boys had two competitions on the one day."

Mr Rae said the Cessnock games started at 10am with the night final starting at 6.40pm up at Bluehaven.

"At 7.30am the team headed off for Cessnock," Mr Rae said.

"First up was St Paul's All Saints.

"Before the game, all the boys gathered in the change room where Jason Hayward, the captain psyched the boys up!

"On the field, the boys hit their stride after six minutes.

"By the end of the game, Jason Hayward had two tries, Liam Cornish and Luke Murphy had a try and conversion.

"Next up was Scone High at 12.30pm.

"Scone slipped in two tries in quick succession.

"We scored after this with a great chance to get back in the game.

"However a pass from Geordie Makey to Luke Murphy on the line was ruled forward.

"Scone held on to win and proceed to the next round of the Country Cup."

Mr Rae said that after a bus ride home and a few hours rest the boys backed up for the All Schools Final at 6.40pm that night.

"I have to commend everyone on this and thank the parents for getting the team there," Mr Rae said.

"Unfortunately, with only 15 minute halves and a fresh St Edwards team with plenty of interchange, our boys could not defend an endless barrage of kicks and big hit ups.

"That being said, the Umina boys maintained a brave effort right to the last second.

"The team was completely exhausted and would have slept well that night.

"They represented their school proudly, especially in the brand new BWSC jerseys received the day before."

Press release, 9 Aug 2007 Mark Rae, Brisbane Water Secondary College